In a stunning turn of events for the gaming world, Gregg Mayles, the renowned designer behind the beloved classic Banjo-Kazooie, is reportedly bidding farewell to Rare. This news follows the recent series of sweeping staff cuts and project cancellations at Xbox, where the long-anticipated game Everwild has officially been shelved.

Mayles, who has been a pivotal figure at Rare for decades, most recently served as creative director of the popular pirate adventure Sea of Thieves. However, his ambitious project, Everwild—a fantasy game that had been in the works for over six years—will not see the light of day. This cancellation marks a significant moment in gaming history, following nearly a decade of development.

Adding to the heartache, Louise O'Connor, the producer of Everwild, is also expected to leave Rare after a distinguished tenure of more than 20 years. This double exit casts a shadow over Rare’s future as the company moves forward.

Earlier this year, Xbox head Phil Spencer expressed optimism about Everwild’s progress during a studio visit, stating, "It’s nice to see the team with Everwild and the progress that they’re making.” Yet, just a few months later, the reality of Everwild’s cancellation was confirmed in a company-wide email sent by Xbox Game Studios boss Matt Booty.

This email revealed a sweeping change in strategic direction for Xbox, announcing not only the cancellation of Everwild but also the halt of the Perfect Dark reboot and several unannounced projects from various studios, including a new MMO from ZeniMax Online Studios.

Booty explained, "We did not make these choices lightly, as each project and team represent years of effort, imagination, and commitment." This shift underscores the pressing need for Microsoft to realign its priorities in the ever-evolving gaming landscape.

As the industry reacts to this cascading series of cancellations and departures, Mayles' exit leaves fans wondering how Rare will chart its course in the future. The legacy of this influential designer and the promise of Everwild will linger in the hearts of gamers worldwide.